$100,000 pledged to save old school

Hoffman Estates delays vote on razing

Preservationists looking to extend the life of Lindbergh Schoolhouse in Hoffman Estates got help this week with the promise of $100,000 from a doctor and a 60-day reprieve from trustees.

Dr. Bob Tiballi said the donation would go toward saving the 77-year-old building, which he toured last week.

"I was excited about the condition the building was in," he said.

Cary Collins, one of four trustees voting to give preservationists more time, said, "We only need eight more [contributors] like you, doctor."

The Planning, Building and Zoning Committee voted Monday to delay action for two months, with Village President William McLeod and Trustees Anna Newell and Jacquelyn Green favoring demolition.

Marilyn Lind, chairman of the Historic Sites Commission, disputed renovation cost estimates, which started at $300,000. "It makes me angry that this is railroaded," she said.

Under terms of a previous developer agreement, Dartmoor Homes, which owns the Lindbergh property, would contribute $100,000.

A Web site has been set up for contributions and tradespeople have pledged time and materials, preservationists said.

"I would hope that, if the village accepts my proposal, the other parties would work with me," said Tiballi, a physician who lives in Elgin and says he has experience rehabbing buildings.

Tiballi also said he would work on forming a non-profit group to aid the effort.

Village historian Pat Barch presented letters from six historical societies recommending the building be saved along with correspondence from William Wheeler, state historic preservation officer, touting the architecture and Lindbergh's importance as a school.